The health landscape
We recognise that collaboration is critical to success. In 2025/26 The Walton Centre will
continue to work more closely with the other providers in the Liverpool Adult Acute
and Specialist Providers group and this neurosciences strategy will align with the wider
NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group strategy. Moving into closer collaboration
will support all our strategic objectives by improving patient pathways, offering greater
opportunities to staff for their development and help us to create value by sharing services
and using our resources in a more efficient way.
The NHS launched a new 10 Year Health Plan in July 2025. This strategy reflects this national strategy which is set around three key shifts:
• Moving care from hospitals to communities
• Transition from analogue to digital systems
• Prioritising prevention over the treatment of illness
The priorities for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside are aligned with these, with a focus on improving patient care, reducing health inequalities, and enhancing service delivery across the region.
Key objectivesinclude addressing the backlog of care caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, improving access to services, whilst supporting the health and wellbeing of communities.
Health inequalities remain a key priority, with initiatives aimed at ensuring underserved populations have equitable access to high-quality healthcare with a focus
on preventative health strategies.
NHS England is focused on reducing the environmental impact of healthcare services, ensuring long-term sustainability in healthcare delivery.
For The Walton Centre, these regional and national priorities directly inform its operations and strategic planning. In particular, the Trust is focusing on enhancing the integration of care pathways, reducing waiting times for neurological services, and expanding its use of digital tools to improve patient access and treatment.
Addressing health inequalities in neurological care, developing neighbourhood health solutions and supporting mental health services for those with neurological conditions also align with regional priorities, ensuring comprehensive, patient-centred care in line with broader NHS goals.